HHS allocates $147 million to fight HIV – UPI.com – Thelocalreport.in

The Department of Health and Human Services is awarding $147 million to help fight HIV/AIDS. The initiative is based on the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program. In this image, a red ribbon at the White House marks World AIDS Day on December 1, 2021. File photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/UPI. license photo

“This funding will help states and metropolitan areas with the highest levels of HIV transmission link people with HIV to essential care, support and treatment, as well as support training and other resources for these jurisdictions. ,” HHS said in a statement on Thursday.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said, “Ending the HIV epidemic requires that we reach people living with the virus where they are, and that is exactly what this program allows us to do.”

Approximately $139 million will be allocated to metropolitan areas to develop strategies to provide supportive services to reduce HIV infections. Around $8 million will be used to train the beneficiaries.

According to HHS, the initiative is based on the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Programwhich was implemented in 1990 to support the medical care of HIV patients.

“Nearly 90% of Ryan White clients who receive care achieve viral suppression, which means they cannot transmit HIV and can also live healthier lives,” HHS said. “This rate exceeds the national average for viral suppression of 64.6 percent.”